Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Happy 4th of July

Fireworks, hot dogs and flags-a-flying is what the Fourth of July means to me.

We are fortunate to live in a great country where our votes count.

Enjoy your family, enjoy the day and enjoy the picnic of life in America.

Memorial Day

From the very beginning, from the birth of our country, men and women have come forward and served. They go, they sacrifice and some never return.  Today we remember them, today we thank them and today we pray for those who continue to serve in the most dangerous of places a safe journey home.

My Agent, Mark McVeigh

 I am so pleased to announce that I signed today with agent Mark McVeigh of THE McVEIGH AGENCY. Mark was the editor who acquired my picture book about Mount Rushmore at an SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005. After he left Dutton we kept in touch, and I was not surprised when he branched out and started an agency. I am thrilled to be part of his prestigious list of clients and I look forward to many years of working together.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter,

Passover,

Spring Break

or whatever

you celebrate

with family

and friends.

Happy Valentine's Day

This is a wonderful day. When there is so much grief in the world it is important to have a day to remember loved ones. To my husband, kids, mom, friends and family...Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy New Year - 2009

 

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my husband Al, my family, my friends, chocolate cupcakes with white icing, Maui Jim sunglasses, the SCBWI, my dog, Star, being an American, my writer's group, watercolor sketchbooks, my Big Bertha driver, costume contests, fine French champagne, my two kitties, Toulouse & Monet, our new puppy, Honey, sushi, my editor Steve,  mephisto sandals, good health, gardenias, my ipod shuffle and yoga.
Happy Thanksgiving!

The Cypress Inn

What's the number one place for doggies to vacation? Carmel, California.  This is the most dog friendly, pooch happy, puppy loving town.  Dogs are allowed everywhere, including restaurants, hotels and stores.
There is a gorgeous, off - leash, two mile dog beach that overlooks  Pebble  Beach golf course.  We  like to stay at Doris Day's hotel, the Cypress Inn.  Star loves the soft dog bed in the rooms. 

Happy Halloween

Like it is for most kids, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. Dressing up, getting free candy and carving pumpkins...what could be better than that? All I needed was a pair of good shoes to cover the miles. I only stopped between houses to gobble up a few choice goodies. I still love to put on a costume and go trick-or-treating with the kids. And I still gobble up my favorite candy all night long.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Rally for the Cure - Susan G. Komen for the Cure

October is Breast Cancer awareness month.  Every year I play in and support Rally for a Cure.  A charity golf tournament for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.  Here I am pictured with my golfing partners, Leandra Matter, Dee Levy and Diane McCrossen.  Congratulations to the tournament chairpersons, Leslie Fair, Diane Perez, Dee Fairbanks and Leandra Matter for a job well done.  Today they raised well over 42 grand!

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day reminds me of the end of summer, maybe a new school uniform, instead of a hand-me-down and the possibility of liking my teacher.  Which didn't happen often.

Let's wave the flag for all of us that labor so hard on jobs we like and jobs we hate.  And to those who teach our children, those that keep us in good health and those who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Happy Labor Day!

May Pang & John Lennon

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a book signing of May Pang's beautiful new book, Instamatic Karma, photographs of John  Lennon.  May Pang was John Lennon's girlfriend for the two years that he had split from Yoko.  May lived with him in L.A. and spent those years photographing their lives. My husband Al Coury, who ran Capitol Records, had worked with John Lennon during that time.  May included a picture of Al with John in the book.

Flat Ethan

If Flat Stanley ever visited your home you will appreciate my new You Tube effort,  The Magical Adventures of Flat Ethan.

John Stewart Memorial

An American Icon passed away earlier this year.  Singer and songwriter, John Stewart, entertained us for generations.  He was part of the Kingston Trio, had a successful solo career, and wrote songs for many other performers.  My husband, Al Coury, had worked with him as part of the Trio and during his solo career.  We were touched to be invited to the private memorial concert held in his honor. Actors,  musicians and artists filled the stage to perform his songs and reminisce about John's remarkable life.  The talented John Stewart will be miss by all.

Cinco de Mayo

Happy

Cinco De Mayo!

Ralph Nader and Me

Time to brag.  Last week I was in Washington D.C. with my husband,  Al Coury, who was given a life time achievement award.  Al was in rock-n-roll for 37 years.
He was honored with General John Abazaid at huge banquet with Ambassadors, Congressmen, Senators and other generals. One of my favorite persons was there in attendance.  Mr. Ralph Nader.  Being pushy me  I snapped a photo with him.  I reminded Ralph that he did an interview for my children's literature blog.  He was polite and said he remembered.  It was a thrilling night.
Congrats to my hubby who deserved all the acclaim.

Happy New Year 2008

 

DWP Festival of Lights

If you live in L.A., or plan to visit this holiday season, be sure to catch the mile long DWP Festival of Lights in Griffith Park that runs until January 1st.  A Christmas lights spectacular of all the highlights of Los Angeles.  It is so cool.  You can  ride through in your car or  park at the zoo and do it on foot. I recommend a thermos of  hot chocolate and good deal of holiday cheer to enjoy this corny, but entertaining sea of lights.  The best part?  It is free!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the coolest places to visit is the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Built on historic Cannery Row, this state of the art living museum is a fabulous day for adults and kids alike. With sea otters, kelp forests, giant octopus, jelly art,  great white shark , just to name a few of the exhibits. There is sting ray petting zoo, a kids zone, where the tike's can don on fins and flippers to learn about the sea animals and of course feedings show at all the tanks. Located in one of the most breathtaking parts of the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is magic.

Go Redsox

God Bless the Boston Redsox for winning the pennant. My husband is from Massachusetts, so I am part of the Redsox Nation by marriage.  We are one happy family this week as we cheer them on to win the World Series.

We Won!  It was a sweep!  We Won!

 

Susan Finch - Binky Patrol

I have a some amazing relatives that have devoted themselves to charitable work . Some have adopted an Orphanage in Honduras, some, on their vacations have dug wells for 3rd-world villages and one in particular, started a charity that brings small comfort to children in need.  Many years ago Susie Finch decided to make blankets for sick kids and the Binky Patrol was born. In honor of National Make-a-Difference day in October the Binky Patrol holds it's 12th annual Bink-A-Thon. A nation- wide event to make as many blankets that they can in one day.  I am proud that my cousin Susie agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and Why did you start the Binky Patrol?

In 1996 I had a failing business and a failed marriage.  I was on the pity pot.  In the back of my head I remembered my mom teaching me that when you feel sorry for yourself and it's all muddled up do something for someone else.

Halloween Dog

I'm one of the crazy people who likes to dress up their dog and go Trick-O-Treating with the kids.  Last year I was Captain Pink Sash and the Pirate Dog. You'd be surprised how many costumed  dogs we see in the streets that night.  I painted a skull and cross bones on the side of Star that didn't come off for 3 months!  People were stopping me all the time asking where I had it done.  It made me consider starting a temporary tattoo business for dogs.

Rally for a Cure - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There are many events in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  For years I have played in a golf tournament, RALLY FOR THE CURE , sponsored by local golf clubs and Golf for Women  magazine that benefited the  Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 













This terrible disease has become a manageable disease due to the generosity of doctors, donors and volunteers.  I golf with some remarkable women and survivors.  Their hard work and determination made this the most successful tournament ever raising over $34,000.00 in one day!!!

Governor Victor Atiyeh

  Governor Victor Atiyeh and his lovely wife Dolores have been our dear friends for over 20 years.  The Gov, as we like to call him, was two term governor of Oregon from 1979-1987.  Beloved by the Oregonians, today they decided to honor him by naming an airport after him.  We were delighted to attend the dedication celebration of the
Governor Victor G. Atiyeh International Concourse.
A wonderful party with many dignitaries, Congressmen, Senators, and of course me, the goofy kids author from L.A.

The American Cancer Society-Memorial Tea

This is Diane Perez, my golfing buddy, team partner and friend.  She is a great inspiration to all that know her.  Upbeat, giving and determined to make a difference.

Today, Diane and her family gave a memorial tea for the American Cancer Society, in honor of her sister, Sandie Romero, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.

In a world full of calamity and strife it is so easy to feel powerless to help.  But Diane reminds me that every effort makes a difference, we can make what we do count and we can change the world.

The American Cancer Society is a great charity.  Imagine
what they could do if every American donated 10 bucks!

Giverny

Today is my anniversary and it reminded me of our honeymoon.  My husband, Al, took me to Giverny to see Monet's house and studio.  I was blown away.   I love the impressionist and found this a spiritual experience and a good omen of our wonderful marriage to come. My husband made major brownie points that he's still cashing in after all these years. 

On the left is a photo of a young skinny me on the famous Japanese foot bridge.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday.

Carmen Nichols is known as "the Rock" by her children and grandchildren for her deep faith in God, undying love of family and a fondness for quarter slot machines.

She instilled a voracious appetite for reading in her children and a family tradition of passing around a good book.

Mom, thanks for bailing me out when I got in trouble with the nuns.  Thanks for buying me that expensive prom dress and for making me take typing in summer school.   Happy Birthday Mom, you are the best!